By: Ashley Sorce
Questions & Answers with Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Board President
What is your role with OSO? Why are you involved?
I am currently the OSO Board President. I enjoy classical music in what I would classify as a “listener” status. When I started looking for a way to give back to the community by giving time to an organization I met with members of the board 8 years ago and was asked to join. I have never regretted the decision. I am in my 7th year on the board.
Tell me about your family. Are they involved with OSO? Concert Curators?
I am married (15 years) to my wonderful wife, Emily who has worked for Owensboro Medical Practice Center (Dr. Vora) for about 11 years and is currently serving as lab manager and primary care manager.
We have 2 children. My son, Ashton is 10 and my daughter Noelle is 8. They have been going to concert curators for 4 or 5 years I guess – typically go to most of them. They absolutely love it and routinely ask when they get to go again.
I am an attorney and I have been practicing law here in Owensboro for over 14 years now. Reynolds & Thompson, LLP is the name of the lawfirm and has been open for 9 years.
What does this community mean to you?
I chose Owensboro to raise my family after having visited my mom and step father over the years while I was in the Navy. This town is not too big and not too small. Coming from someone that has lived in a town of about 500 on one hand and San Diego, Ca on the other hand, Owensboro is the best of both small and large.
Why do you enjoy raising a family here?
I grew up in a very small town atmosphere (as did my wife). Owensboro has that feel while still providing a great deal of large city attributes as well. The schools are awesome. The community is rich with culture and sports. We are very active in our Church (Lewis Lane Baptist) which also provides us with the fellowship of a wonderful Christian family that we enjoy a great deal.
What can the OSO offer the community? Parents? Kids?
OSO is likely the best opportunity for anyone to experience a high level orchestra event at the most reasonable rate in the country. Our OSO continues to amaze and receive accolades from all over. I personally do not have a music background but I thoroughly love every concert. Arts in general have taken a back seat over the past 10-20 years whether in schools or daily lives. All I can say is that if you haven’t been to an OSO concert – you just don’t know what you are missing!
We love this town and we love the OSO for what it does for the community and are more than happy to be a part of the OSO family. This organization is from top to bottom 100% top notch and we are happy to have such an organization to devote our time and resources as members of this community.
Q&A – Concert Curators
What is Concert Curators? Why was it developed?
Concert Curators is a partnership between the Owensboro Museum of Science and History and Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, as well as Kentucky Wesleyan College education and music students. It was decided to work together to offer a child care program during symphony evenings. Parents could drop off their children at the Museum, KWC students (along with Museum staff) would coordinate educational, musical, and other fun activities for the children. Parents can enjoy the concert knowing that their children are being taken care of and having a wonderful experience as well. Everybody wins.
What is your main goal?
There are really four goals: (1) to enrich the lives of children through a wonderful musical and educational experience at the Museum, (2) to attract more young families to Owensboro Symphony concerts, (3) to bring more families to experience the Museum, and (4) to give hands-on practical training to KWC students.
What can kids do during their time with Concert Curators?
Activities are often planned to coordinate with the musical repertoire of the concert. For example, if it is Italian music, some activities may be related to Italy. Sometimes music from the concert is played for the students, with games and activities (musical chairs, composer bingo, interactive games). Students make a craft, have a snack, have some time at the Playzeum, as well as other Museum activities.
Is there a cost? What time is the program?
The cost is $8 per child for Museum members and/or symphony subscribers, $10 per child for non-members/ non-subscribers. Children are ages 3-10 (must be able to handle bathroom needs independently). The program is 7 to 10 p.m. on Symphony evenings; parents drop off children at 7 p.m., go to concert from 7:30 to 9:30 and then pick up their children after the concert by 10 p.m.